Aldi unveils U.S. expansion plans

BATAVIA, Ill. – Aldi is ramping up its store expansion program, with plans to average 130 openings annually over the next five years.

The deep-discount grocery operator has averaged 80 store openings in recent years.

In addition, the company will invest more than $3 billion for land, facilities and equipment as it extends its penetration of the U.S. market. At the end of the five-year period, Aldi expects to have stores operating coast-to-coast, serving more than 45 million customers per month.

The company also expects to create more than 10,000 new jobs at its stores, distribution centers and divisional offices.

“We’re ramping up our expansion plans to meet growing demand for Aldi from customers across the country,” said Aldi president Jason Hart. “Recently we successfully entered such new markets as Houston, and expanded our presence in competitive markets like south Florida and New York City. At Aldi we believe that great quality can be affordable, and we are eager to bring the Aldi difference to new markets like Southern California.”

Since opening its first store in this country in 1976, Aldi has achieved steady expansion entirely through organic growth. The chain currently has nearly 1,300 stores in 32 states, employing more than 18,000 people. Its stores serve more than 25 million customers a month.

The retailer will be rolling out an updated store design intended to provide a brighter and more pleasant ambience. In terms of merchandise assortments, Aldi has expanded its offerings of fresh produce, meat, dairy and baked goods, and will soon introduce its line of natural and organic food dubbed SimplyNature. Its Fit & Active line provides a number of food products with less fat and sodium and fewer calories.

According to the company, more than 90% of its assortment consists of store brand or exclusive brand items.